With an impressive resume as a classical conductor, artistic director, composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Ken Woods’ musical tenure has earned him a reputation for excellence and experimentation throughout the decades. A citizen of the world, his various creative escapades have bolstered his abilities to deliver an eclectic range of musical creations, but possibly none as close to his heart as his latest folk outfit, “Ken Woods and the Old Blue Gang.” With a commitment to their uniquely dramatic sound as well as a sense of lyrical poignance that serves an intentional meaning with every verse, their work reflects the artists’ lifetimes of understanding the importance of music in society. In their latest release, “Lily White,” Woods draws from his time spent in the Pacific Northwest to tell the story of the Lily White Gold Mine disaster of the late 1800s, and honors the folklore that has followed the historic event.
The piece begins in dramatic fashion as a resonant percussive hum underscores an equally ominous acoustic guitar line that escalates in intensity, culminating in a sound seemingly architected to pay homage to the dramatics of their Western roots. Woods’ vocals enter soon after with a hearty and rustic baritone tambour that immediately makes their intention as an artist clear. He wastes no time getting to the narrative weight of the ballad, as he states his thesis with the opening line, “Folks here tell stories about the old Lily White. About how the mine’s owner paid in dynamite.”
A chilling reminder of the darkest chapters of the West, and homage in a tonal cohesion reflective of the time, the tune forces us to reflect on our own history through a different lens.
Written by Nick Gumas
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